Last Saturday two things were top of the mind for many Barbadians: the inaugural Top Gear Festival at Bushy Park, St Philip, and the auction sale at Villa Nova, St John.
Both of them had a big curiosity factor – the fans wanted to see Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton “doing the dog” on the track, while there was a sense of sentimentality with the sale of the items at Villa Nova. It brought with it a sense of finality.
There might even have been a bit of anger as was not so quietly stated by one of the prospective buyers who expressed disgust with the collapse of the CLICO Holdings Barbados under receivership and CLICO insurance operations in judicial management.
Villa Nova was part of CLICO Holdings, which is now under the receivership of Deloitte Consulting Ltd.
The reality for most of the over 100 people who ventured to the serene St John location last Saturday was that they wanted to get a little piece of the many items on sale. So that despite the very spacious grounds and parking facilities, the vehicles spilled over to the nearby open grounds which told a story even before one got onto the property itself.
Auctioneer Andy Tempro said he was “very satisfied” with the way things went. “This was a good crowd; any of those old places pull a big crowd,” he added.
It was a long day for Tempro, his team and the representatives from Deloitte, having started the sale at 10 a.m. and not concluding before 6:15 p.m., but “everything on sale Saturday went”. Viewing had actually started at 9 a.m.
That crowd was a real reflection of Barbados: from at least one High Court judge, to teachers and realtors, hoteliers and retired people, banking executives and architects, housewives, self-employed small business people and attorneys at law.
Heritage historian Professor Henry Fraser was there not only showing an interest in what was on sale, but paying close attention to the buildings and grounds of this property which was built in 1834. This estate, nestled on approximately 15 acres of lush tropical grounds, underwent a multimillion-dollar restoration 13 years ago which offered an intimate hotel operation. However, the great house is in need of some renovation.
“I’m looking for some furniture for my office,” said Neil Carter, who did not get what he was hoping for, while an art collector who did not want to be identified, said he was a little disappointed with the way the prices escalated for some items.
Walking around and listening to a number of those present, one heard the constant refrain “I’m here out of curiosity”, since many people felt that, given the turnout and some of those present, there would be few bargains.
It was also a chance for a few small bsuiness people to exploit some opportunities, whether selling food or providing transporatuion for those who needed to get any large individual item or bulk purchases to their new location.
By the end of the day, the C Beckhtein piano was the most expensive item to go. That went to a jurist for just over $8 000. It had been admired by many, with two elderly women recollecting the “good ole’ days” when a respectable home would have a piano, even if not one so grand.
The paintings, such as a Rachel Pringle piece and the maps also captured the interest of many buyers.
Tempro said of the Pringle painting: “It was an original of good quality; it had belonged to a serious collector.” He added that a collector needed to know if what he was buying was good or bad.
There were a few serious collectors there on Saturday, and one who asked not to be identified told the MIDWEEK NATION that, given the crowd which turned up and the excitment on the part of some, it was not surprising that some items were sold at a higher price than he anticipated.
He noted, however, there was value for money in what was on offer. The mention of Bernardaud Limoges plates brought a lot of attention as did the antique patio chairs and other collectibles that were on the block.
The sale, which was Tempro’s biggest for the year in terms of interest, even if not quantity of items, will continue on Saturday.
